Can Dogs Eat Bacon?

Katie Garrity

We've talked before about how in certain circumstances, pork is okay for dogs to ingest. If its cooked and prepared properly, you can serve pork to your dogs as a holiday treat. But what about bacon? Does the same go for this delicious breakfast treat?

We have the saddest news for pups everywhere. Bacon is not safe for dogs to eat.

Why is bacon bad for dogs?

Processed meats such as bacon and sausage are known carcinogens that have been linked to cancer. Bacon is incredibly rich and high in both fat and salt. Research has shown that these attributes combined are way too much for a dog's stomach to handle.

Eating a large amount of bacon can cause also cause pancreatitis, which can be fatal to dogs.

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How bacon can hurt your dog

The high salt content in bacon can also lead to increased thirst which could lead your dog to a deadly condition called "bloat."

Bloat occurs when the stomach fills up and expands because of excessive gas, food, or fluid. Due to the high salt content in bacon, dogs can become dehydrated drink an excessive amount of water to satiate the thirst, and this will put hard pressure on other organs in the body. Bloat can all be potentially life-threatening.

What to do if your dog eats bacon.

If your dog happens to eat a piece of bacon, keep an eye out for any unusual symptoms that may arise. If your dog does develop a reaction, contact your veterinarian immediately. Look out for the following reactions:

Diarrhea

Fever

Upset stomach

Elevated fever

Lethargy

Muscle inflammation

Chicken is always a great alternative to pork and bacon that will give your pup tons of protein without the upset stomach!

Conclusion

When it comes to dogs and bacon, steer clear! Giving this food to your dog as a special treat is not worth the risk. Dogs may beg for a slice, but you'll both be sorry when their stomachs are bloated and upset. The high fat and salt content in bacon can even be deadly. Try chicken or properly prepared turkey instead if you want to give your dog some meat.